Five RV Road Trip Survival Tips

The great thing about road trips is they can be taken any time of year. Even though images of the Griswold family, of National Lampoon’s Vacation, may come up–road trips can be a great bonding experience.

Of course, it is important to plan well and follow a few guidelines for a successful family trip. Continue reading to learn more.

Make Sure You Have the Necessary Requirements for Driving an RV

Since RVs are typically larger than the average vehicle, many people wonder if they need a special license such as those given to commercial truck drivers. According to Outdoorsy, you don’t need a special license if you are driving a vehicle under 26,000 lbs.

The good news is most RVs are under this weight limit. And, this law is true for all 50 states. While there are exceptions, all you need to do is look up the licensing requirements for the states you plan to pass through and visit.

Now, wasn’t that easy? It appears that almost anyone can drive an RV with a standard driver’s license.

Include the Kids

It is important to include the kids in your trip planning. This ensures they are excited about helping to choose the destination. As a result, they feel more invested in the process.

You can offer them parent-approved choices for their vote. If you already have a destination set, you might ask them where they would like to stop along the way.

Now, the kids want to take the RV trip just as much as you do. And, they can help with deciding where to eat too.

Figure Out Your Fueling Stops

Of course, you want to take a memorable trip. Part of creating memories on the road is ensuring you have enough gas to do so.

The last thing you want is a vehicle full of tired children stuck on the side of some random road. So, you’ll have to look at a map and estimate where you should stop and refuel.

You can even find a gas station near historic diners or by the lake for a bit of a respite.

This saves a lot of time because you are combining your breaks with your gas stops instead of stopping for gas then stopping for a break. Plus, it is important for everyone to stretch their legs and get some fresh air.

Here’s a tip: gas stations away from the interstate usually have lower prices than gas stations off the highway.

Pack the Right Essentials

While on the road, you want to make the most of your time. This is why you don’t want to have to stop at every store because you didn’t pack well.

On the other hand, you don’t want to feel cluttered by bringing too much stuff. Here are some items to consider for the kids:

Mobile entertainment

Books

Small toys

Coloring books

Travel games

Downloaded movies and digital books

Naturally, you want to ensure everything is safe and age-appropriate. The reason you want to download movies and digital books is because Internet connection may not always be reliable.

Bring Snacks

While you will make stops to eat and stretch your legs, everyone will get a bit hungry in between. So, stock a small or medium-sized cooler with water and snacks that aren’t messy. These can include items such as:

Fruit (dried and fresh)

Baby carrots

Goldfish crackers

Nuts

In Conclusion

Your family RV road trip can be as memorable as you like. All you have to do is plan well and pack smartly.